Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
So, after owning my B7 RS4 Avant for over 8 years I slowly started to notice that the body work was starting to need attention in a few places. Not surprising really, it was now almost 13 years old with 161,000 miles on the clock.
I did briefly consider selling it, but in the end there was honestly nothing else out there that I would prefer to drive.
The worst of the paint defects were on the rear arches, these were starting to bubble quite badly and my local indie also pointed out that there was a bit of corrosion on the sills when it was in for a service.
There was also a minor incident involving a postman and reversing into my own house that left a bit of damage on the rear bumper.....
Now, after reading some horror stories about dodgy full resprays and with the prospect of potentially having to have the rear panels cut out and new ones welded in, the hunt was on to find a body Shop with a good reputation.
Being based in Scotland narrowed it down a bit but I did manage to get some local quotes. The places I went to were a bit hit and miss. Some were suspiciously cheap, others appeared knowledgeable but never had much stuff in being work on. One paintshop never even bothered sending me the quotation in the post because they could not see the logic in painting the whole car...it was just an old Audi to them. In the end I decided to bite the bullet and take it to a well respected bodyshop in England.
After driving the car down to have it inspected, the conclusion was that the rear quarter panels might need to be replaced, but until they started to remove the paint, there was no way of knowing. I mention the sills but until they got under the car, again, it was hard to say what work was required.
The front wings were fixed by Audi a couple of years ago but were never blended in to match the rest of the car (or put back on straight), front end had 13 years worth of tailgating stone chips, passenger side door blade was debonding and various dots of rust on the lower doors (zinc inclusions). Taking all that into consideration and the fact that I love the car it was agreed that a full respray was the way to go.
However, they were fully booked up with work so I had to wait 4 months before they could start the project.
Better to have the right people doing the work and it taking longer than trying to rush it.
I did briefly consider selling it, but in the end there was honestly nothing else out there that I would prefer to drive.
The worst of the paint defects were on the rear arches, these were starting to bubble quite badly and my local indie also pointed out that there was a bit of corrosion on the sills when it was in for a service.
There was also a minor incident involving a postman and reversing into my own house that left a bit of damage on the rear bumper.....
Now, after reading some horror stories about dodgy full resprays and with the prospect of potentially having to have the rear panels cut out and new ones welded in, the hunt was on to find a body Shop with a good reputation.
Being based in Scotland narrowed it down a bit but I did manage to get some local quotes. The places I went to were a bit hit and miss. Some were suspiciously cheap, others appeared knowledgeable but never had much stuff in being work on. One paintshop never even bothered sending me the quotation in the post because they could not see the logic in painting the whole car...it was just an old Audi to them. In the end I decided to bite the bullet and take it to a well respected bodyshop in England.
After driving the car down to have it inspected, the conclusion was that the rear quarter panels might need to be replaced, but until they started to remove the paint, there was no way of knowing. I mention the sills but until they got under the car, again, it was hard to say what work was required.
The front wings were fixed by Audi a couple of years ago but were never blended in to match the rest of the car (or put back on straight), front end had 13 years worth of tailgating stone chips, passenger side door blade was debonding and various dots of rust on the lower doors (zinc inclusions). Taking all that into consideration and the fact that I love the car it was agreed that a full respray was the way to go.
However, they were fully booked up with work so I had to wait 4 months before they could start the project.
Better to have the right people doing the work and it taking longer than trying to rush it.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
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Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Worth the effort, no doubt about it. Subscribed.
Gone B8.5 A5 Sportback Black Edition Plus Floret Silver
Current C6 A6 Avant Silver TDi S line snotter
Gone B7 RS4 Sprint Blue Avant
Gone 8P A3 Sportback Reflex Silver
Gone 8V A3 Saloon Daytona Grey
Gone B7 A4 Reflex Silver
Gone B7 RS4 Daytona Grey Avant
Current C6 A6 Avant Silver TDi S line snotter
Gone B7 RS4 Sprint Blue Avant
Gone 8P A3 Sportback Reflex Silver
Gone 8V A3 Saloon Daytona Grey
Gone B7 A4 Reflex Silver
Gone B7 RS4 Daytona Grey Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Misano red, love it and it sits well too
Well done hanging on to it and the respray.
Subscribed
Well done hanging on to it and the respray.
Subscribed
Last edited by Covkiller on Thu Jun 20, 2019 9:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.
RS4 B7, Mugello Blue, K&W V3 & HR ARBs, set up by Centre Gravity, Milltek Valved Non Res & cat bypass pipes, BMC air filter, braided hoses, DOT 5.1, Terraclean, MRC Full Carbon Clean, MRC remap 448PS 477NM, 20" S7 alloys with 4mm spacers & Hawke spigots 66.6 > 57.1, AP Racing front discs. Sold Sept 2019. Now rocking an F80 M3
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Thanks, although Mugello was actually top of my list for colours!
Misano has grown on me over the years though, I had the option of changing the colour but decided to keep it.
Misano has grown on me over the years though, I had the option of changing the colour but decided to keep it.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Once the car was dropped off at the body Shop it was a couple of weeks before they got back in touch. This was fine with me because we had agreed to let them work at a steady pace, fitting my car in around other jobs that they had on. Plus I was saving a fortune in petrol driving the wife's Fiat 500....
The good news was once the rear arches were taken back to the metal, they were nowhere near as bad as we thought. The original rear quarters on both sides could be kept which saved on the need for any cutting and welding.
The bad news was that they pointed out that all four tyres were, to quote Hustler 'barely legal'. They were fine at the last MOT so I must have been driving the car harder then I thought over the previous few months.
So, the money saved on the rear quarter panels was redirected into a new set of Pilot Sport 4S's and a wheel refurbishment. Nothing exciting here, sticking with OEM silver as I think it works well with the silver roof rails and mirrors. I did consider swapping to Goodyear Eagle's but as I really liked the previous Michelin Supersport's, I decided to stick with the French rubber.
We then discussed what parts I would like to renew whilst the car was being stripped down for painting. Long story short, all the mouldings, kickplates, window surrounds and bits of trim I never knew existed were added to the list.
New wing mirror covers and the main front grille prices were ridiculous so these were to be refurbished instead of being replaced. The original windscreen had seen better days as well, so along with the rear window (which was heavily scratched by a previous owner) these were heading for the skip.
At least I will be able to see where I am going on a sunny day now!
The good news was once the rear arches were taken back to the metal, they were nowhere near as bad as we thought. The original rear quarters on both sides could be kept which saved on the need for any cutting and welding.
The bad news was that they pointed out that all four tyres were, to quote Hustler 'barely legal'. They were fine at the last MOT so I must have been driving the car harder then I thought over the previous few months.
So, the money saved on the rear quarter panels was redirected into a new set of Pilot Sport 4S's and a wheel refurbishment. Nothing exciting here, sticking with OEM silver as I think it works well with the silver roof rails and mirrors. I did consider swapping to Goodyear Eagle's but as I really liked the previous Michelin Supersport's, I decided to stick with the French rubber.
We then discussed what parts I would like to renew whilst the car was being stripped down for painting. Long story short, all the mouldings, kickplates, window surrounds and bits of trim I never knew existed were added to the list.
New wing mirror covers and the main front grille prices were ridiculous so these were to be refurbished instead of being replaced. The original windscreen had seen better days as well, so along with the rear window (which was heavily scratched by a previous owner) these were heading for the skip.
At least I will be able to see where I am going on a sunny day now!
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
In order to paint the roof, the headlining and all the upper trims had to be taken out to allow the roof rails to be removed. Again, these are quite expensive new and as my pair were still in good condition, these were going to be cleaned up as required.
Some of the C and D pillar trims were torn (previous owner again), as was the centre rear trim right at the back. Probably would not be so noticable on a car with black headlining but as my one has silver, they stood out like a sore thumb. So decided to change them at the same time as it was all coming out anyway. I did think about changing all the headlining and trims to black but that would have added more cost to the project.
These cars are 13 years old now, it is already becoming more difficult to source some specific RS4 parts new from Audi. I had a broken piece of plastic trim that covers the tailgate mounting bolts, now discontinued so these had to be sourced on ebay. These were not a unique part to the RS4 so luckily a pair were found brand new still in the box on ebay.
Anyway, paintwork preparation was really starting to take shape.
Some of the C and D pillar trims were torn (previous owner again), as was the centre rear trim right at the back. Probably would not be so noticable on a car with black headlining but as my one has silver, they stood out like a sore thumb. So decided to change them at the same time as it was all coming out anyway. I did think about changing all the headlining and trims to black but that would have added more cost to the project.
These cars are 13 years old now, it is already becoming more difficult to source some specific RS4 parts new from Audi. I had a broken piece of plastic trim that covers the tailgate mounting bolts, now discontinued so these had to be sourced on ebay. These were not a unique part to the RS4 so luckily a pair were found brand new still in the box on ebay.
Anyway, paintwork preparation was really starting to take shape.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
I bet you can’t wait to see the end result. Mine has been in the body Shop for the last week having a few jobs taken care of and looking forward to having it back.
Cheers
Cheers
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Yes, really looking forward to seeing it finished and getting back in the car as it has been away since the start of April.
What work are you having done to your one?
Next on my to do list is having my second set of subframes powder coated and rebushed.
Can't decide to go back to DRC or stick with my KW V3 and H&R arb setup. Currently the ride is too hard but after talking to some people on here, I think my front arb is set to the hard position. Will check and move it to the softer setting if needed before making a final decision.
Rear subframe and tank need to be dropped in order to fit the new DRC lines (my ones are beyond repair) so can be done at the same time.
What work are you having done to your one?
Next on my to do list is having my second set of subframes powder coated and rebushed.
Can't decide to go back to DRC or stick with my KW V3 and H&R arb setup. Currently the ride is too hard but after talking to some people on here, I think my front arb is set to the hard position. Will check and move it to the softer setting if needed before making a final decision.
Rear subframe and tank need to be dropped in order to fit the new DRC lines (my ones are beyond repair) so can be done at the same time.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
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Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Good to see all the work going into the car, will look as good as new when finished. I’m running DRC at the moment, interested to read you might revert back to it.
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Excellent thread . Looks as if you've found a really good body Shop too . Maybe an idea to fabricate the DRC lines as you will be dropping the subframe and probably not too much work to lower the tank ? Good opportunity to change the fuel filter whist your messing about under the car too.
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Cheers, knew it needed painting for a while now but finally pulled the trigger on it. It is a keeper so don't mind spending money on it.jimclarkrs4 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2019 10:00 pmGood to see all the work going into the car, will look as good as new when finished. I’m running DRC at the moment, interested to read you might revert back to it.
I ran standard SS suspension for a couple of years and remember the ride quality being excellent. However, I did notice that my previous Mk5 R32 handled better in the corners. Switching to KW V3 for a year improved the handling slightly, ride quality pretty much identical but high speed body roll was much more noticable.
Sourced a set of H&R arb's from a forum member and once fitted, the handling was much sharper and direct. The low speed ride quality really suffered though and I would say the car understeered sooner, particularly in the wet but there was no high speed body roll anymore.
So I suspect the front arb is set too stiff and possibly the rear as well. I could also adjust the low speed compression damping but will start with the arb's.
If I can't find a setting I like, the stock RS4 front bar will be going back on with either a SS+ (22mm) or 034 Motorsport item on the back.
Interestingly, the front ARB's for all B7 A4's are 30mm but the internal diameter of the RS4 item is smaller, making it stiffer and heavier. I almost bought a used item from a Seat by mistake!
Front RS4 ARB is: 8E0411309N
Rear RS4 ARB are: 8E0511409AJ (20mm SS)
8E0511409AJ (22mm SS+)
And if that does not work either then I will be swapping back to DRC, possibly SS+ setup.
Last edited by coffey555 on Wed Jun 26, 2019 5:06 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
For sure, if anything the paintwork will be too good to be used as a daily but at least I will not have to worry about rust for a few years!dhali wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2019 10:32 amExcellent thread . Looks as if you've found a really good body Shop too . Maybe an idea to fabricate the DRC lines as you will be dropping the subframe and probably not too much work to lower the tank ? Good opportunity to change the fuel filter whist your messing about under the car too.
I did think about getting stainless steel DRC lines made up but not sure my ones will be in any fit state to use as a template.
To be honest, I think the stock mild steel ones combined with a good coating of underseal will last for long enough if reapplied every year or so depending on how much use it gets.
Already sourced a pair of brand new DRC control valves and a pair of new front DRC shocks so just need to purchase rear shocks, hard pipes and flexi-hoses.
Will see how adjusting the arb's works out first though, it will be considerably cheaper.
Good shout about the fuel filter, will change that out at the same time.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
Seeing as my rear subframe was flagged up as needing work in a year or so I decided to look into sourcing a new one or getting the existing one powdercoated.
Well, has anybody looked at the cost of a new subframe?!!! £1105+vat!!! I can see why people get their current one powdercoated!
The only problem with that is, it can take a week for the freshly finished item to return from being refinished. Fine if you have a spare lift to keep the car on but most specialists are busy....
There were a couple on ebay but to be honest, they looked in the same condition as the one on the car. In the end I ended up buying a used one from the South of France as due to them not gritting the roads down there, it looked almost new. Granted, the postage was almost the same again for what I paid for it but it does have the control arms still on it. Much cheaper than the price of a new one even taking into account powdercoating and price of the new subframe bushings.
I did consider installing the solid 034 subframe mounts but given the car is for road use, I will be sticking with the stock OEM parts to maintain ride quality.
Without actually checking the state of the front subframe (the car was at the body Shop) I would assume that it would be in a similar condition to the rear one, perhaps a little better as hidden by the undertray but it would likely need attention as well.
This time I got lucky, one listed on ebay for £150 and removed from a car that had only done 1500 miles. The price of these brand new is even more expensive than the rear ones!
Well, has anybody looked at the cost of a new subframe?!!! £1105+vat!!! I can see why people get their current one powdercoated!
The only problem with that is, it can take a week for the freshly finished item to return from being refinished. Fine if you have a spare lift to keep the car on but most specialists are busy....
There were a couple on ebay but to be honest, they looked in the same condition as the one on the car. In the end I ended up buying a used one from the South of France as due to them not gritting the roads down there, it looked almost new. Granted, the postage was almost the same again for what I paid for it but it does have the control arms still on it. Much cheaper than the price of a new one even taking into account powdercoating and price of the new subframe bushings.
I did consider installing the solid 034 subframe mounts but given the car is for road use, I will be sticking with the stock OEM parts to maintain ride quality.
Without actually checking the state of the front subframe (the car was at the body Shop) I would assume that it would be in a similar condition to the rear one, perhaps a little better as hidden by the undertray but it would likely need attention as well.
This time I got lucky, one listed on ebay for £150 and removed from a car that had only done 1500 miles. The price of these brand new is even more expensive than the rear ones!
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
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Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
I have been impressed with the DRC to date and like the lack of body roll, ideally want to keep everything standard, but I’m already being drawn into looking at subtle mods. Very impressed with the work and effort going into your RS, cracking result finding parts in France.coffey555 wrote: ↑Wed Jun 26, 2019 3:30 pmCheers, knew it needed painting for a while now but finally pulled the trigger on it. It is a keeper so don't mind spending money on it.jimclarkrs4 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 25, 2019 10:00 pmGood to see all the work going into the car, will look as good as new when finished. I’m running DRC at the moment, interested to read you might revert back to it.
I ran standard SS suspension for a couple of years and remember the ride quality being excellent. However, I did notice that my previous Mk5 R32 handled better in the corners. Switching to KW V3 for a year improved the handling slightly, ride quality pretty much identical but high speed body roll was much more noticable.
Sourced a set of H&R arb's from a forum member and once fitted, the handling was much sharper and direct. The low speed ride quality really suffered though and I would say the car understeered sooner, particularly in the wet but there was no high speed body roll anymore.
So I suspect the front arb is set too stiff and possibly the rear as well. I could also adjust the low speed compression damping but will start with the arb's.
If I can't find a setting I like, the stock RS4 front bar will be going back on with either a SS+ (22mm) or 034 Motorsport item on the back.
Interestingly, the front ARB's for all B7 A4's are 30mm but the internal diameter of the RS4 item is smaller, making it stiffer and heavier. I almost bought a used item from a Seat by mistake!
Front RS4 ARB is: 8E0411309N
Rear RS4 ARB are: 8E0511409AJ (20mm SS)
8E0511409AJ (22mm SS+)
And if that does not work either then I will be swapping back to DRC, possibly SS+ setup.
Re: Martin's RS4 B7 Avant Build
If you have the standard SS DRC setup it might be worth fitting the thicker 22mm rear anti roll bar to improve the handling?
Yes, was a bit of luck finding that one in France but then I am not sure there is a huge market for these yet.
I have been a huge fan of the B7 RS4 since John Barker ran one on long-term test for Evo so don't mind spending money on it now to keep it useable for at least another 10 years or so.
It was always going to be a B7 RS4 or an Integrale Evo 2 as the obtainable dream car.
Yes, was a bit of luck finding that one in France but then I am not sure there is a huge market for these yet.
I have been a huge fan of the B7 RS4 since John Barker ran one on long-term test for Evo so don't mind spending money on it now to keep it useable for at least another 10 years or so.
It was always going to be a B7 RS4 or an Integrale Evo 2 as the obtainable dream car.
Misano Red RS4 B7 Avant
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